Join the Team – Farm Residencies & Apprenticeships

We are inviting folks interested in farming, and specifically – farming co-cooperatively – to work with us at Wildwood Farm.

It can take time to find a team that works and lives well together. Therefore, a longer-term residency is just the beginning of our effort to find committed people interested in Wildwood’s evolution toward a co-operative farm. To learn more about our vision for the farm, and to understand our thoughts behind this residency, please visitAbout Us and The Future of Wildwood.

For those interested in learning how we farm, but feel hesitant about committing to a longer-term residency, we invite farm stays of shorter-term apprenticeships.

If either of these options interest you, please read through the Wildwood Residency Terms and Conditions below:

Work Expectations & Daily Routines

Everyone will participate in all aspects of work on the farm. Though we want everyone to experience and familiarize themselves with the diversity of work we do, we understand that people’s skillsets, specializations, and passions will lead them to do certain types of work and not others within an established community farm.

Dairy livestock chores, breakfast, and clean-up will wrap up by 9 a.m., followed by a short team planning meeting. Lunches will be shared, as well as some suppers.

Since summer is a short and intense season on the farm, expect that some workdays will be very long, weather and task dependent. We will have at least one day off each week (probably Sunday but this could shift depending on weather and critical jobs). Having some down-time to get to explore the farm and surrounding area, and taking time for self-care and creative expression are important and we hope to offer a balanced farm experience. There will be times when critical jobs need to be done, but we want to take the time to celebrate the bounty of the farm, the good company of each other, and the odd shindig!

Farm residents and apprentices participate AT THEIR OWN RISK as many jobs around the farm can pose dangers –machinery, tools, livestock– however, no one will be expected to do any job for which they have insufficient skill or experience or feel is unsafe.

We will be working on many farm projects, such as;

gardening

sowing crops

fencing

making hay

working with horses

tending livestock

butchering chickens

working on a building project

milking cows (by hand)

cheese and butter making

cooking, baking, canning, dehydrating, and fermenting food

foraging for teas

making firewood

goal setting

participating in sessions together to foster communication skills

participating in discussions about direction for the farm community

Decision Making

We ask that participants have familiarity with and/or willingness to learn about Holistic Management and Permaculture design, as we will be using these frameworks and principles for decision-making and farm planning. We practice non-violent communication and will be regularly hosting farm meetings and check-ins.

Accommodations

We have a Common House where residents and apprentices will sleep and cook. Pending space, number of residents/apprentices/short-term farm volunteers, and length of stay, there are temporary accommodations that can be offered or brought, such as tents and camping trailers. Some laundry may have to be done in town at the Laundromat as our facilities are somewhat limited. Internet is available, though guests are required to limit streaming activities.

Personal Gear

Work clothes will be required for all kinds of jobs in all types of weather. This will include rain gear, coveralls, rubber boots, work gloves, and work boots. If you have farm or gardening tools that you enjoy using and can bring along, please do.

Bring towels and any toiletries you need for self care and comfort. Toilet paper, laundry soap, and homemade soaps will be provided. There will be an outdoor shower for use, so please bring shampoos and soaps that do not contain harsh chemicals.

If you own a bicycle, it may come in handy for getting around the farm!

Perhaps most importantly, please bring your willingness to learn in a group situation, plenty of good cheer, and a love for good food.

Food

We will grow and provide most of the food for everyone. Staple foods (oats, rice, peanut butter, granola, eggs, milk, meat, coffee etc.) will be available; however, any extra store treats, e.g. beer, wine, chocolate etc. will be up to each person to purchase. Apprentices are responsible for preparing their own breakfasts. There is a small fridge available, and a cool pantry to store small amounts of perishable items.

We have limited capacity to accommodate residents and apprentices with special dietary needs – please ask us if you are unsure if your diet can be accommodated.

Conditions for Dismissal

If a person’s contributions are not welcome or fitting with the co-operative nature of the group, we reserve the right to ask the person to leave. We understand co-operative living and working environments are not always easy, but we will always attempt to resolve conflicts first with non-violent communication prior to dismissal.

If this is an opportunity you would like to explore, please begin by filling out our application form: